Rep. Sydney Jordan

Maddy summaryHF 744 modifies professional development requirements under Minnesota's Read Act by setting new deadlines for educators to complete evidence-based literacy training. It requires K-3 classroom teachers, reading intervention staff, special education teachers, and others to complete training by July 1, 2026, with additional training for grades 4-12 teachers by July 1, 2027. School districts can reduce elementary school instructional hours by 5.5 hours per year if they schedule this training during regular school days, provided teachers complete the required training. The bill directly affects Minnesota public school districts, their teachers, and instructional staff implementing the state's literacy initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces new regulations in Minnesota to restrict the ownership and sale of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, while also banning the sale of binary trigger systems. It expands criminal penalties for possessing dangerous weapons in schools and for negligently storing firearms, and it specifically criminalizes the manufacture and sale of untraceable "ghost guns." Additionally, the legislation strengthens the state's extreme risk protection order system, requires law enforcement to report firearm discharges more comprehensively, and allocates funding to support public awareness campaigns and mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ticket resellers and online marketplaces to clearly disclose pricing information to consumers when selling event tickets in Minnesota. The law mandates that sellers show the total ticket cost including all fees, the original purchase price, and the percentage markup above that original price. It also requires websites to inform buyers that resale prices may vary from original prices and that they are responsible for checking event changes before the event begins. Additionally, the bill establishes definitions for key terms like ticket reseller and online ticket marketplace to clarify who must comply with these disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Minnesota's regulations on the handling of infectious or pathological waste by requiring immediate notification when such waste is mistakenly sent to unapproved facilities, mandating unannounced inspections of waste generators, and establishing significant financial penalties for violations. Facilities that receive infectious waste must report the incident to state officials with details about the waste and its source, while generators must conduct annual internal audits to ensure compliance with management plans. Penalties for unlawful transport start at $200,000 for a first offense and increase to up to $2 million for subsequent violations, with half of collected fines directed to the facility that received the waste. The legislation also allocates $50,000 to create training materials for proper waste management and disposal practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state wealth tax in Minnesota that would apply to individuals and trusts with taxable wealth exceeding $10 million. The tax would be calculated as one percent of the amount above that threshold, based on the total value of all property owned within Minnesota minus any debts owed by the taxpayer. Property values would be determined using the same valuation methods used for federal estate taxes, and the tax would apply to both residents and nonresidents who own property in the state. The legislation would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and would be collected in addition to existing state taxes.

Maddy summaryHF 3793 requires large groundwater users (those exceeding 100 million gallons annually or 50% of a municipality's current water allocation) to apply for their own water-use permits instead of modifying existing municipal permits. This affects industrial and commercial entities, including data centers, whose water use meets these thresholds. Key provisions include mandatory public comment periods for new permits, potential aquifer testing, and monthly reporting for threshold users - compared to annual reporting for smaller users. The bill aims to strengthen oversight of significant groundwater withdrawals while ensuring public input and watershed protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires tire producers in Minnesota to fund and operate a statewide system for collecting and recycling discarded tires starting in 2027. Under the new rules, anyone selling tires in the state must participate in a plan approved by the commissioner that ensures tires are collected free of charge, stored properly, and recycled or resold. The program would be financed entirely through fees paid by tire manufacturers, importers, or retailers, depending on who holds the tire brand. Covered entities such as auto dealerships and repair shops would serve as collection sites where consumers can drop off old tires at no cost. The legislation aims to create a structured approach to tire waste management without using taxpayer money.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund in Minnesota to address climate change impacts. It establishes a program that requires fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and 2026 to pay into a dedicated account. The collected funds will be used to finance climate change adaptation projects for state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as for disadvantaged communities. The bill defines specific terms like "responsible party" and "covered greenhouse gas emissions" to determine which companies must contribute and what types of projects can receive funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund the expansion and renovation of St. David's Center at 1130 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The funds will support early childhood education, children's mental health services, pediatric therapy, and family support programs aimed at improving educational and health outcomes for children and families in Hennepin County. The state will issue bonds up to $10 million to cover these costs, with the project required to use the funds for specific services outlined in the bill. The appropriation is available until the facility project is completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance plans in Minnesota from covering conversion therapy for minors under 18 and vulnerable adults, effective January 1, 2027. It also requires the commissioner of human rights to take appropriate actions to protect Minnesotans from conversion therapy, including investigating complaints against mental health practitioners who engage in such practices. The legislation defines conversion therapy using existing state law definitions and directs the commissioner to prioritize investigating discriminatory practices related to this issue. Health plans offered, sold, issued, or renewed to Minnesota residents after the effective date must comply with these coverage restrictions.